Monday, 30 January 2017

Go and tell your friends: Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30th January, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (30th January, 2017) on the Gospel

 
Heb 11:32-40;
Ps 30:20-24 (R. v.25);
Mk 5:1-20.
Topic: Go and tell your friends.
On arriving at the other side of the sea, a man with an unclean spirit whom nobody could restrain met Jesus. The gospel reads,
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me (Mk 5:6-7).
And at their plea Jesus allowed them to enter the swine numbering about two thousand that were feeding and they all rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were all drowned.
When the news broke in the city, people came and saw Jesus and the demoniac clothed and in his right mind sitting there, they were afraid. They begged Jesus to leave their neighbourhood. Although the man who was possessed by demons wanted to follow Jesus but He said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you” (Mk 5:19). The man went and did exactly what he was told and people were amazed.
Most often many understand evangelizers as those who move from place to place, or one parish or station to another and so on probably putting on distinguishing dresses (habits). And for some, an evangelizer is that man or woman who goes about with megaphone through the streets, houses, markets, among other places telling people to repent.
Evangelizing does not necessarily involve these but primarily making others know God and His goodness, cf. Jn 20:17. In other words, Jesus asked the man to go and evangelize. Let us all fulfil our obligation to evangelize by telling those in our families, schools, workplaces, and so on that the Lord is good. By doing this we will gather people with and for Christ, cf. Matt 12:30.
Bible Reading: Ps 21.
Thought for today: You are an evangelizer.
Let us pray: God, help us to make others know you better – Amen.

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Sunday, 29 January 2017

You are blessed: Fourth Sunday of the Year (A) (29th January, 2017).


Homily for the Fourth Sunday of the Year (A) (29th January, 2017) on the Gospel
Zeph 2:3.3:12-13;
Ps 145:7-10 (R. Matt 5:3);
1Cor 1:26-31;
Matt 5:1-12.

A person who was inspired by the Sermon on the Mount was Dr Tom Dooley. After graduating from medical school, Dooley enlisted in the Navy as a doctor. The big day of his life came one hot July afternoon off the coast of Vietnam. That’s when his ship rescued 1000 refugees who were drifting helplessly in an open boat. Many of the refugees were diseased and sick. Since Dooley was the only doctor on the ship, he had to tackle, single-handedly, the job of giving medical aid to these people. It was backbreaking, but he discovered what a little medicine could do for sick people like this. He said: “Hours later, I stopped a moment to straighten my shoulders and made another discovery – the biggest of my life. I was happy [treating these people] ... happier than I had ever been before.” Dooley’s experience that hot July afternoon changed his life forever.[1]
Topic: You are blessed.
In today’s gospel, when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, sat down and gave them a lesson on true blessedness (happiness). Those who make up the list are: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Jesus concluded His teaching with these words,
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
This teaching of Jesus is often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount or the Beatitudes. The word beatitude is from the Latin word beatitudo meaning condition or statement of blessedness. Often the words, “Happy,” “fortunate,” and “favoured” are used to translate it, but none of these offers the full meaning of the word, beatitude.[2] Supreme blessedness is also sometimes used.[3]
As we go through the list of those who are supremely blessed as given by Jesus, were you able to find yourself anywhere – the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, or those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake? Whoever does not make this list in the end has missed everything because our homeland is in heaven, cf. Phil 3:20. Hence Jesus taught us,
...those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? (Matt 16:25-26; cf. Mk 8:36; Lk 9:25)
However, we all who still live have the opportunity of including ourselves. The book of Revelation describes the uncountable great multitude from every nation, all tribes, peoples and languages standing before the throne of God in these words, “These are they who have come out of great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14). And no robe is too dirty for the blood of the Lamb. His blood speaks more graciously than the blood of Abel, cf. Heb 12:24. We are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, cf. Eph 2:19. But all those who have hope of enjoying with the saints in heaven must purify themselves, cf. 1Jn 3:3. Let no one sell his/her birthright like. Although he was the firstborn, (cf. Gen 25:25) yet he lost his right because he sold it (cf. Gen 25:29-34). Be very careful. The right you have is beyond words, cf. 1Cor 2:9. Do not sell it for anything. God will not let anyone be tempted beyond his/her strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that one may be able to endure it, cf. 1Cor 10:13.
Bible Readings: 1Cor 2:6-16; Matt 16:24-28.
Thought for today: Live a blessed life.
Let us Pray: God, help us to achieve the true blessedness in heaven – Amen!

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Saturday, 28 January 2017

Wake Him up: Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D., (28th January, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D., (28th January, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
(Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I))
 
Heb 11:1-2.8-19;
Lk 1:69-75 (R. cf. v.68);
Mk 4:35-41.
Tommaso d'Aquino (1225 – 7 March 1274) otherwise known as Saint Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar and a Catholic priest who was an immensely influential philosopher, theologian and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism, within which he is also known as the “Doctor Angelicus” and “Doctor Communis”. Unlike many currents in the Church of the time, Thomas embraced several ideas put forward by Aristotle—whom he called “the Philosopher”—and attempted to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with the principles of Christianity. Saint Thomas best known works are the Summa Theologica and the Summa contra Gentiles. His commentaries on Sacred Scripture and on Aristotle also form an important part of his body of work. He is also distinguished for his eucharistic hymns, which form part of the Church's liturgy. Saint Thomas Aquinas is a Doctor of the Church[1].
Topic: Wake Him up.
In the psalm we read that God does neither sleep nor slumber, (cf. Ps 121:3, 4) unlike the watchmen of Israel whom the prophet describes as blind, and without knowledge; dumb dogs who cannot bark; dreamers who are lying down, and lovers of sleep, cf. Is 56:10. But in today’s gospel, while crossing to the other side in a boat with His disciples, “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion ....” (Mk 4:37-38a). When they woke Him He calmed the wind and the sea and queried: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mk 4:40). The controversy whether God sleeps or not will not be of any benefit to us in this homily.
At different points in one’s life it looks as if God is no longer aware of what is happening in the world or has suddenly become uninterested. Sometimes one might even be tempted to question whether He still exist and is still God.
Although things might have gone contrary to your expectations but do not turn to either right or left. What you really need is to wake Jesus up. When those in the boat with Jesus woke Him up they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” cf. Mk 4:41. So what are you waiting for? That trouble comes one’s way does not mean that God is far from him or her. Wake Him up. If you wake Him up through prayer after the example of Saint Thomas Aquinas who was a man of prayer, you will certainly be filled with even greater awe.
Bible Reading: Ps 125; Eph 3:20-21.
Thought for today: It is still the same Jesus.
Let us pray: God, open our eyes to see your hand at work – Amen.
Saint Thomas Aquinas – Pray for us.
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Friday, 27 January 2017

You are holding lots of keys: Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I) (27th January, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I) (27th January, 2017) on the Gospel
(Saint Angela Merici, V., Opt Mem)

 
Heb 10:32-39;
Ps 36:3-6.23-24.39-40 (R. v.39);
Mk 4:26-34.
Topic: You are holding lots of keys.
Often we complain that things are not going the way they should. Many never thought of what they can do to get them go the right way. Even when one’s attention ever goes to that direction either on its own or through another person it is easily dropped thinking that such do not and may never count.
Today’s gospel has two parables. In the parable of the growing seed, Jesus compares the kingdom of God with the man who scattered the seed on the ground and without knowing how the seed would sprout and grow. The earth plays its part of making the seed produce grains the man will harvest. And in the second parable, He compares the kingdom of God with a mustard seed which is the smallest of all the seeds on earth but when sown it turns into the greatest of all shrubs. It ends up growing branches the birds can make nests in its shade.
It is unfortunate that many prefer to be defeatists contrary to the fact that we are made to be more than conquerors through him who loved us, cf. Rom 8:37. The seed would not have produced grains if the man did not scatter. In the same vein, the mustard seed would have remained the smallest of all the seeds on earth if not sown. The scattering of the seed and the sowing of the mustard seed were actually the keys that opened doors to greater things.
Dear child of God, as we are blessed with yet a new day, think of the seeds God has given to you. Do not neglect any. Put out your hand and sow/scatter them. That will certainly start a serious chain reaction. I therefore remind you and myself, we are holding lots of keys to unlock so many doors for the good of all.
Bible Reading: 1Cor 12:4-30.
Thought for today: God has given you enormous power for good.
Let us pray: Lord, help us bring the needed change in the world by doing our part – Amen.

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Thursday, 26 January 2017

Plenty harvest yet few workers (cf. Lk 10:2): Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bps (26th January, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bps (26th January, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 
2Tim 1:1-8 or Tit 1:1-5;
Ps 95:1-3.7-8.10. (R. v. 3);
Lk 10:1-9.

Timothy (c. AD 17 - c. AD 97) had a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice as a result of which the Jews considered him illegitimate. His grandmother, Lois, was the first to be converted. Timothy was converted by Paul around the year 47 and he later joined him in his apostolic work. He proved himself one of Paul’s most faithful and trusted friends. Saint Paul sent him on difficult missions. Saint Timothy is the patron Saint of intestinal disorders, stomach diseases[1].
Titus (d. 96 or 107 AD) had the distinction of being a close friend and disciple of Paul as well as a fellow missionary. He was Greek, apparently from Antioch. Even though Titus was a Gentile, Paul would not let him be forced to undergo circumcision. Titus was seen as a peacemaker, administrator, and a great friend[2]. He is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps[3].
Topic: Plenty harvest yet few workers (cf. Lk 10:2).
Jesus sent seventy of his disciples in pairs on mission in today’s gospel. Before embarking on the mission, Jesus made them to understand among other things that the work is enormous and the need to pray to God for workers. Again, they were not going out as lords but lambs among wolves. These notwithstanding, they were to “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road” (Lk 10:4). They were to remain in one house eating and drinking whatever they were given. And they were to cure the sick and to announce the arrival of the kingdom of God.
There are a lot of things we can reflect on in today’s gospel. But we are to focus on the first thing Jesus made them to know: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few ....” Can this statement still be true today considering the number of people already in the vineyard?
Judging by the number of churches we have today and the ministers each has, one can hastily conclude that this is no longer relevant. But it is important to note that there is great difference between people in the vineyard and labourers in the vineyard. Hence, Jesus warns
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? (Matt 7:21-22).
As we celebrate Saint Timothy and Saint Titus who collaborated with Saint Paul in the Lord’s vineyard we must pray more fervently for workers in the Lord’s vineyard. The number of people in the vineyard makes the work even more difficult because one needs to decipher first who are there to work and who are there for other purposes, cf. 1Tim 6:5.
We must tighten our belts and lace our shoes because the work is more tedious today and it is for all of us. There will be great reward for all who work in the Lord’s vineyard, cf. Matt 19:28-29. And at the same time, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth for those who neglect their work, cf. Lk 13:26-28. Let us work today for the great reward tomorrow.
Bible Reading: Matt 7:21-23; Lk 13:22-30.
Thought for today: You have your part in God’s vineyard.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to be good labourers in your vineyard – Amen.
Saints Timothy and Titus – Pray for us.

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Wednesday, 25 January 2017

Your destiny is in your hands: Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap (25th January, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap (25th January, 2017) on the Gospel and the Feast

Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22;
Ps 116:1-2. (R. Mk 16:15);
Mk 16:15-18.
Topic: Your destiny is in your hands.
In today’s gospel, Jesus commissioned His disciples with these words: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:15-16). The gospel also tells us the signs that will accompany the believers.
We celebrate today the conversion of the apostle to the Gentiles, Saint Paul, cf. Rom 11:13; Eph 3:8; Gal 2:9. Before his conversion, Saint Paul persecuted the faith he later professed more than any other apostle, cf. Acts 11:23; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13. His dramatic conversion took place on his way to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to bring any follower of Christ he might see to Jerusalem for punishment, cf. Acts 9:1-2, 13-14; 22:4-5.
On his conversion he immediately inquired of what is expected of him in these words: “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10). And in like manner, we ought to have asked and to be made known what to do when we were born-again, cf. Jn 3:5; Lk 3:10-14.
Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, cf. 2Tim 1:10. Many still refuse to come to Jesus to have life, cf. Jn 5:40. And there lies the condemnation. Hence Saint Paul writes in his second letter to the Thessalonians: “so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2Thess 2:12).
Dear friends, remember that you belong to “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Pt 2:9). It is in your hands to be a saint or a sinner. You too can make it. Let us move on .
Bible Reading: Lk 3:1-20.
Thought for today: Refusing to repent is a refusal to life.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to follow the example of Saint Paul in abandoning our old ways and live entirely for you – Amen.
Saint Paul – Pray for us.

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The Relations of Jesus: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D. (24th January, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D. (24th January, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
(Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (I))

 
Heb 10:1-10;
Ps 39:2.4.7-8.10.11. (R. vv.8.9);
Mk 3:31-35.

Saint Francis de Sales (21st August, 1567 – 28th December, 1622) was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales[1]. His father destined him to be a lawyer and strongly opposed his desire to become a priest. He was later ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva. Francis set out to convert Calvinists by preaching and distributing the little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine with remarkable success. He became bishop of Geneva at 35. While administering his diocese he continued to preach, hear confessions, and catechize the children. His gentle character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.” Besides his two well-known books, the Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God, he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a vast correspondence. He addressed his writings to lay people to make them understand that they too are called to be saints. He collaborated with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal in establishing the Sisters of the Visitation. Saint Francis de Sales is the patron of the Catholic Press[2].
Topic: The Relations of Jesus.
When Jesus was told in today’s gospel that His mother and His brothers were standing outside asking for Him, He queried, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” After looking at those who sat around Him He concluded, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Many consider a number of things as advantages one can hope on in the journey towards God. However, Jesus defined in today’s gospel true relatives of His as those who do the will of God.
Saint Paul wrote to his son, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” (2Tim 3:16-17).
Saint James exhorts all,
...be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like (Jas 1:22-24).
Those who do the word of God shall be blessed in their doing, cf. Jas 1:25. Whoever does right is righteous, cf. 1Jn 3:7. It is by doing right that one can put to silence the ignorance of foolish, cf. 1Pt 2:15. Saint Francis the Sales we celebrate taught us that holiness is for everyone who does the will of God irrespective of one’s vocation.
Bible Reading: Jas 1:19-27; 1Jn 2:29–3:10.
Thought for today: Are you truly Jesus’ brother and sister and mother?
Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to become your Son’s brother and sister and mother – Amen.
Saint Francis de Sales – Pray for us.

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